Author of I SHALL NOT HATE Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish Speaks in Sarasota, 2/7-8

The Herman and Sally Boxser Diversity Initiative will bring Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish to Sarasota, FL. Dr. Abuelaish, a Palestinian obstetrician who worked in Israel, is the author of I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity. Founder of the Daughters for Life Foundation, he is a three time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and winner of numerous prizes for his efforts to bring Jews, Muslims and Christians together.

Nobel Peace Laureate Elie Wiesel said of I Shall Not Hate: "This story is a necessary lesson against hatred and revenge." The autobiographical book communicates Dr. Abuelaish's riveting story. He witnessed the deaths of three of his daughters in Israeli shellfire. However, Dr. Abuelaish continues to call for the people of the region to come together in understanding, respect and peace. This story is as relevant now as it ever was.

Today, February 7th, The Herman and Sally Boxser Diversity Initiative is sponsoring two public events at Temple Beth Sholom. At 7:30 PM Dr. Abuelaish will speak on his unique experiences. Free to the public. His moving, personal story will include an opportunity for dialogue with the audience. There will be a coffee reception immediately following the speech, sponsored by the Florida Holocaust Museum. For those interested in a fuller experience, there will be a special dinner with Dr. Abuelaish at 6:00 on the 7th, catered by Michaels on East. Tickets are $50 and seating is limited. For ticket information for both events contact Elaine Tedesco at (941) 552 2780 or etedesco@templebethsholomfl.org . Temple Beth Sholom is located at1050 South Tuttle Avenue in Sarasota.

On Friday, February 8th at 11:00 AM, Dr. Abuelaish will speak to a select group of High School and College students. The presentation will include a question and answer session and opportunity to speak with Dr. Abuelaish. This event is sponsored by The Herman and Sally Boxser Diversity Initative, Embracing Our Differences and Florida Studio Theatre. The event will take place at Florida Studio Theatre. For inquiries about student participants, contact Michael Shelton at Embracing Our Differences at (941)928-0567.

Founded in 2009, The Herman and Sally Boxser Diversity Initiative at Temple Beth Sholom in Sarasota, Florida provides speakers, exhibits, and other methods of communication in order to foster tolerance and understanding of all racial and religious groups. They have previously sponsored presentations featuring Morris Dees, founder of the Southern Poverty Law Center, and "Beyond Swastika to Jim Crow: Jewish Refugee Scholars at Black Colleges" which was exhibited at the Florida Holocaust Museum.